When winter froze over, the leaves shriveled upAnd the earth was nullified

When winter froze over, I swore the grass would turn to iceI said the wind would sweep the treesAnd leave the acorns lonelyAnd the branches swaying softly,Brittle,Bare

When the bitter air descended and the clouds took throneI warned the losing little squirrelsI whistled to the birdsI told them soon the night would bite

When winter froze over, even I—The unicorn—I was lost in the storm.

I watched quietlyNumb and hushedAs the ice closed in on one man's landAs it closed inIt closed

When winter froze over, I screamed to the northBut my lips would barely partI motioned to the fireplaceSalted the chimney,Set the snow ablazeI ran in five wool layers to the nearest metal poleAnd I tried to send my messageHitch a ride for my warm breath